As a hair stylist, your shears are your livelihood. Whether you’re snipping away at a precision bob or texturizing layers, those blades need to be in top shape to deliver flawless results every single time. But here’s the thing: even the best shears won’t perform well if you’re not taking care of them properly.
Regular maintenance isn’t something to be taken lightly. It’s a crucial process that you’ll need to keep up with if you want to extend the lifespan of your shears. If you do, you’ll be able to continue ensuring smooth cuts while protecting your investment. To help you get on the right track, let’s walk through exactly how to maintain your hair-cutting shears to keep them performing like new, from daily care to monthly tune-ups.
Daily Maintenance
Every cut you make adds a little wear to your shears. That’s why daily maintenance is non-negotiable if you want them to last. A few simple steps at the end of each day can make all the difference.
Cleaning and Drying
After a long day of cutting, your shears will have picked up a decent amount of hair clippings, product residue, and natural oils from your clients’ hair. All of that buildup can dull your blades over time and mess with how smoothly they open and close.
To fix this, grab a soft cloth and wipe down both blades thoroughly. If there’s stubborn residue, a little rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad works wonders. Just make sure you dry them thoroughly afterward. Moisture is your shears’ worst enemy, and even a tiny bit of water left behind can someday lead to possible rust or corrosion.
Oiling the Pivot Point
The pivot point goes through much more stress than stylists realize. That’s because without it, your shears wouldn’t be able to open and close smoothly. Without regular oiling, this area can get stiff, making your hand work harder than it needs to.
A tiny drop of shear oil (or clipper oil if that’s what you have) right at the pivot point each night will help with this. Open and close the shears a few times to work the oil in. You don’t need much—just a drop or two will do. This keeps everything moving smoothly and reduces friction that can wear down the metal.
Tension Adjustment
Tension is one of those things that’s easy to overlook, but it makes a huge difference in how your shears perform. If the tension is too loose, your cuts won’t be clean. Too tight, and your hand will fatigue fast.
To check the tension, open the shears about halfway and let go. They should close slowly on their own. If they snap shut or stay wide open, it’s time to adjust. Most shears have a small screw or knob at the pivot point. Turn it gently until you find that sweet spot where the blades move smoothly without wobbling.
Weekly Maintenance
While daily care keeps your shears functional, weekly maintenance digs a little deeper to keep your blades in great condition. This is when you catch problems before they become expensive fixes.
Deep Cleaning
Once a week, give your shears a more thorough clean. This means taking them apart (if they’re designed for disassembly) and getting into all those tiny crevices where gunk loves to hide.
Use a small cleaning brush or an old toothbrush to scrub away any buildup around the pivot screw and blade edges. If your shears aren’t meant to come apart, just focus on cleaning every visible surface as best you can. A gentle soap-and-water solution works well, but make sure you dry everything completely before putting them back together or storing them.
Checking for Nicks and Damage
Run your finger gently along the blade edges (carefully, of course). You’re feeling for any nicks, chips, or rough spots that could snag hair during a cut. Even the slightest imperfection can throw off your precision.
If you notice anything, don’t try to fix it yourself with a file or sharpening stone unless you really know what you’re doing. You could end up making things worse. Instead, make a note to take them to a professional sharpener soon.
Monthly Maintenance
Think of monthly maintenance as your shears’ spa day. This is when you invest even more time and attention to keep them performing at their peak.
Professional Sharpening
Whether or not you found any imperfections in your shear’s blades, you will eventually need to get them professionally sharpened. This is because your blades will dull over time. How often you need sharpening depends on how much you use them, but once a month is a good rule of thumb for busy stylists.
Find a reputable shear sharpener who specializes in professional cutting tools. A skilled sharpener will restore the blade’s edge without removing too much metal, preserving the life of your shears. Avoid cheap sharpening services or attempting to do it yourself unless you’ve received proper training. Poor sharpening can ruin a perfectly good pair of shears before their time naturally comes.
Balancing and Alignment
When shears are perfectly aligned, both blades meet evenly along their entire length. If they’re off, even slightly, you’ll notice uneven cuts or hair folding instead of slicing cleanly.
The best way to check for this is to hold your shears up to the light and close them slowly. Watch the gap between the blades. If you see light shining through at any point, they’re out of alignment. This is another job that’s best left to the professionals. They’ll adjust the tension, realign the blades, and make sure everything is perfectly balanced.
Storage Tips
How you store your hair-cutting shears matters just as much as how you maintain them. Proper storage protects your investment and keeps your tools ready to perform.
Proper Storage Cases
Never toss your shears into a drawer with other tools or leave them sitting out on your station. A protective case is essential. Look for a hard-shell case with a padded interior that keeps your shears secure and cushioned. Make sure the case is slim enough to store anywhere. That way, it’s never too far from your hairstylist chair.
If you’re carrying multiple pairs, make sure each one has its own slot. Blades rubbing against each other can cause excessive damage. Some stylists also like magnetic strips or wall-mounted holders, which work great as long as the shears are kept clean and dry.
Avoiding Moisture
Moisture is the number one enemy of your shears. Even in a dry salon, humidity can cause rust over time. Store your shears in a cool, dry place, and if you’re in a particularly humid climate, consider adding a small silica gel packet to your storage case.
Never store shears while they’re still damp, even if it’s just a tiny bit of water from cleaning. Give them a thorough wipe-down and let them air out for a few minutes before putting them away.